the duck chart

THE SCIENCE

Click image for a bigger view of the science from which this piece was inspired!

WHAT'S INSPIRING

First published by CAISO* in 2013, the “Duck Chart” illustrates the challenge of “net load” – the difference between forecasted demand and expected electricity production from variable generation resources like solar and wind. “In certain times of the year, these curves produce a 'belly' appearance in the mid-afternoon that quickly ramps up to produce an 'arch' similar to the neck of a duck—hence the industry moniker of “The Duck Chart”. The risk of over-generation can be mitigated in various ways, including: increasing demand by expanding service to undersupplied areas; offering consumers incentives to use energy during parts of the day when supply is highest; improvidng efficiency ofenergy storage; and increasing power plant flextibility to respond more quickly to changing conditions.(*California Independent System Operator Corporation)